Rubbing alcohol and plastic wrap are quick and easy ways to add instant texture to your painting. But as with any special texture or technique, a little goes a long way. Both products create interesting textures when applied to wet watercolors. The best subject matter I’ve discovered for these unusual textures is trees. Both of these common household items create a unique impression of individual leaves and foliage.

When the paint has lost its shine and is semidry, use a spray bottle to apply the rubbing alcohol to the shapes. The alcohol creates an immediate texture resembling individual leaves. When the tree is dry, paint the trunk and smaller branches with a combination of Orange Lake, Permanent Violet Blue-ish and Primary Blue-Cyan.